Rhododendron yakushimanum Porzellan

Rhododendron 'Porzellan' is a particularly floriferous hybrid derived from the Japanese species yakushimanum, which has given it a compact habit. Its flowering in April-May is a delight for the eyes: clusters of pink buds open into campanulate flowers of porcelain white colour, with yellow-green macula. The evergreen dark green foliage adorns its branches, whose stout architecture evokes Japanese art. An award-winning variety in England by the RHS that is interesting even outside of flowering.

Rhododendrons are plants of the Ericaceae family, just like heathers, preferring predominantly limestone-free, acidic soils and humid climates. Rhododendron yakushimanum 'Porzellan', sometimes encountered under the name 'Hachmann's Porzellan', forms a dense bush with a rounded, sometimes slightly spreading habit, reaching about 80cm (31.5in) in all directions when mature. Its growth is rather slow, generally reaching 60cm (23.6in) at the age of 10. Its evergreen leaves, dark and matt green, are elliptical in shape and cover the plant well. They have a very velvety, reddish-brown underside. In April-May, its remarkably abundant flowering submerges the bush: grouped in corymbs, the pink floral buds open, revealing large flowers of pure white colour, adorned with a spotted yellow-green macula.

Like all yakushimanum hybrids, affectionately nicknamed "rhodos yak" by specialists, Rhododendron 'Porzellan' is hardy down to -15 °C or even -20 °C. Although they prefer a semi-shaded exposure, these hybrids can tolerate the sun as long as it is not scorching and their base remains cool. 'Porzellan', with its abundant and luminous flowering, will easily adorn a small shaded space in the garden, in the company of Ferns, blue or variegated hostas, Pieris, Heathers, Kalmias, Azaleas and Japanese Maples, or other rhododendrons of the same group to create superb patchworks of textures and colours in spring. Growing in containers requires regular watering with non-limestone water and specific fertilizer for acid-loving plants.